Study art history abroad
An in-depth guide to studying art history as an international student.
Explore art history programs abroad
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PhD programs in
art historyNo programs listed
Art history degrees abroad
Art history is the academic study of visual images over time. It analyzes how art has both influenced, and been influenced by, social, cultural, and historical contexts.
You’ll study key artists, movements, themes, and techniques as you explore the role that art has played in societies throughout history. You’ll also learn how to interpret, analyze, and write about a variety of art forms. The skills you’ll develop on an art history program will prepare you for a successful career in the art sector and beyond.
By studying abroad, you’ll have the opportunity to visit and examine influential artwork in its original environment. Immersing yourself in a country’s art culture will help you grasp a clearer understanding of an artist’s intentions and purpose and enrich your education. You’ll meet inspiring people, visit beautiful destinations, and have a great deal of fun too.
Art history program structure
You can study art history as an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. A BA will last three or four years, depending on where you decide to study. Many universities also offer combined honors courses so that you can study art history alongside another related subject. Typical pairings include foreign languages and social sciences.
If you’ve always dreamt of studying in the US, you’ll likely choose art history as your undergraduate major. In the American liberal arts system, students improve their general education, as well as pursuing a specific interest. As such, you’ll complete liberal arts modules in the first half of your degree, before focusing entirely on art history for the latter half.
Art history is a popular choice when it comes to master’s programs. An MA usually requires one year of full-time study, or two years of part-time learning. If you’re still keen to learn more, you can enroll in a PhD program which takes an average of five years to complete.
You’ll be taught through a mixture of lectures, workshops, seminars, and one-to-one tutorials. Some universities also arrange field trips to art galleries and museums so that students can take learning beyond the textbook.
Methods of assessment vary between modules, but exams, essays, written assignments, presentations, and practical projects usually feature.
The content covered in art history programs is heavily influenced by universities’ national and cultural settings. However, most courses around the world will include these core modules:
- Historical concepts in art
- Art theories and approaches
- Aesthetics and philosophy of art
- Art methods, form, and function
- Principles of visual culture
- Research techniques in art history
- Medieval to contemporary art
- Renaissance art
How to study art history abroad
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Art history study abroad programs
Art history undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in art history
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Art (Art History) - BA Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 30,134 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
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Art History - BA University of Illinois at Chicago, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 29,800 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
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Art History and Criticism - BA University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 27,000 USD
- Start date
- January, June, August
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Art History - BFA University of South Carolina, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 33,928 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Art History - BA University of Utah, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 36,857 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
Art history graduate programs
Master's in art history
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Art History - MA Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 25,118 USD
- Start date
- August
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Art History - MA John Cabot University, Italy
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 15 months
- Tuition fees per year
- 19,000 EUR
- Start date
- September
Future art history careers
An art history degree will arm you with a number of specific and transferable skills, including critical analysis, observation, and communication. Several career paths will open up for you, and many art history graduates go on to secure interesting roles, including:
- Museum or gallery manager
- Museum or gallery curator
- Exhibitions officer
- Conservator
- Archivist
- Arts administrator
- Teacher
- Art critic
Undertaking voluntary placements and internships is a great way of gaining experience and boosting your employability. Your university’s career service can support you with contacting local galleries and museums.
